My mom taught me these life lessons by showing me, through example, in her own life, which is, of course, THE best way to learn such lessons ( at least I think so). She gave me the above copy, so many years ago, and along the way the frame broke, but I still have it, hand matted by her.

"Be tough-minded, but tender hearted", that is one I have a hard time with. I am TOO tender hearted and I guess I should strive to be more tough-minded, maybe I wouldn’t get hurt so badly. At my age, I am not sure a change would make a big difference.  She was SUCH a great teacher, so patient and loving, I always admired that,  and tried to have more patience. Be honest, loyal and oh so much more – she never did stop trying to impart knowledge and that was fine by me.

Mom gave these to me so long ago, that I don’t remember if she wrote these herself, or copied them from somewhere, but to me, since they were given to me by HER, and were SO much LIKE what I knew of HER,  it doesn’t matter.

She died Friday, December 23, 2011 and I miss her every day. I have always tried to be as good as I can be, but now, I will try harder.